Courses in the arts give community members many options this fall

Discover a plethora of arts courses on creative writing, dance, music, needlework and crafts, and visual and performing arts this fall. District 214 Community Education is offering 38 classes under the arts category to community members to address their various interests.

One of the exciting new classes is Holidays on Ink (#2603), a memoir/creative nonfiction, writing workshop focusing on holiday events and other special occasions. Students will look at classic holiday stories and learn to craft their own. You can also take Writing the Short Story (#1080) and learn the basics of short story writing.

Also new this fall is Square Dancing. Test out the class by joining the free Square Dance Party Night (#1222) on Wednesday, September 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. In addition, sign up for Ballroom & Latin Dancing (#1201) or Latin Dance (#1784). Both classes are starting on September 5 and September 17, respectively. Dance the night away, make new friends and enjoy great music!

Speaking of great music, mesh technology and music with ease in this new once-a-week class, Garage Band: Digital Audio Computer Program course (#1859). Join David Hain, music educator and digital music technician, as he walks you through the ins and outs of Garage Band!

"The D214 Community Education program is as unique and wonderful as the community it serves. I've never even heard of a 'Community Music Theory Class' but somehow in D214, there is enough enthusiasm about music to make it a reality," David Hain said. "I feel exceptionally privileged every week when I step in front of my classes."

Also this fall is the new Ukulele Beginning (#1627) class to explore chords, strumming patterns and tablature to ultimately play your own music. You can also take Fingerstyle Guitar (#1031), Guitar Beginning (#1611) and Guitar Intermediate (#1621).

Needle Work and Crafts also has new and exciting fall classes for crafters of all levels. These new classes include:

• Beads 'n Brew: Fire Polished Ladder Bracelet (#1087)

• Beads 'n Brew: Gem Stone Stretch Therapy! (#1085)

• Jewelry Making: Bead Loom Bracelet (#1083)

• Quilting All Levels (#6026)

• Sewing Beginning (#4201)

This fall, District 214 Community Education introduces Dramatics: Acting 101 course (#1029), a new class that will be taught by Emily Rabinowitz, a former talent agent, casting director and coach, who will teach students acting fundamentals. Students will showcase what they have learned at the last class and present in front of an audience.

Another new performing arts class is Improvisation (#1671), a form of live theatre in which everything from a story or a scene is made up in the moment. This class is open to individuals, 21 years or older, with all levels of experience and interested in developing their improv skills. An improv showcase will be presented at the end of the session.

If visual arts appeals to you, you can sign up for the new Oil Painting Beginning class (#1411) and learn oil painting fundamentals, including instruction in composition, color value, temperature and more. Other visual arts classes include:

• Photography 1 (#5655)

• Outdoor Photography (#5658)

• Oil Painting Continued (#1413)

• Watercolor Beginning (#1401)

• Drawing Beginning (#1408)

Dennis Walker, a longtime Community Education instructor and experienced photographer, will be teaching the Photography 1 class. "I love photography. I don't feel like I've ever worked a day in my life, " Walker said. "I love teaching the photographers how to make beautiful memories especially of their families. I love teaching them unbelievable compositions that make their friends in awe of their work."

Walker, a photographer since 1969, has photographed approximately 3,000 weddings in the Chicagoland area since 1972. He still photographs weddings, family pictures and headshots to this day.

Now, choose your medium and engage your creative self!

To register for the fall session offering approximately 400 classes in 11 categories, visit www.ce.d214.org or call District 214 Community Education at (847) 718-7700.